2024 College Football Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Land After Week 4?

Another week, another batch of upsets, game-winning drives, and blowouts. How do Week 4’s results impact the 2024 College Football Power Rankings, which sort all 134 FBS programs from worst to first?

Week 4 2024 Season College Football Power Rankings

Note: A change from the previous week’s ranking will be indicated within the parentheses next to the team names.

134) Kent State Golden Flashes (–)

The Golden Flashes can only go up after posting a 1-11 record in head coach Kenni Burns’ inaugural season … right?

Losing 55-24 is never confidence-inducing, but the offense flashed at times against Pitt. Instead of bouncing back against FCS-level Saint Francis in Week 2, the Golden Flashes fell on their faces, failing to take the lead at any point in the game.

When it rains, it pours. Only for Kent State, it’s not cats and dogs — it’s Ls. Tennessee should be paying child support for the way they sonned the Golden Flashes in Week 3, running up the score like you do against your little brother in CFB25. It was 65 to 0 … at halftime! 

Penn State added insult to injury, although at a less efficient rate, jogging to a 28-0 lead at the half in Week 4.

133) Massachusetts Minutemen (–)

The 2024 season will be UMass’ last as a FBS Independent, as the Minutemen will officially join the MAC next year. Don Brown’s squad hasn’t won more than four games since rejoining the FBS in 2012, and with 1,000-yard RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams off to Michigan State, it’s unlikely they’ll break the trend this season.

The Minutemen’s final score of 28-14 against Eastern Michigan doesn’t tell the whole story, as UMass didn’t put up points until midway through the third quarter, and both of their TD drives were aided by pass interference penalties.

They then lost 38-23 to Toledo in Week 2, fell flat against Buffalo in Week 3, and barely beat Central Connecticut 35-31 in Week 4, likely causing the rest of the MAC to rejoice at the prospect of more victories over the coming years.

132) Kennesaw State Owls (–)

Last season, the Owls went 3-6, with all three of their wins coming against Division II programs. That’s not the whole story, as head coach Brian Bohannon redshirted many of his best players after guiding Kennesaw State to four FCS playoff berths from 2017-2021. Still, with question marks on both sides of the ball, Kennesaw State’s inaugural season in the FBS won’t be the most welcoming.

The defense suffocated UTSA’s rushing attack, allowing just 2.3 yards per carry. Yet, the Roadrunners got whatever they wanted through the air, as QB Owen McCown exploded for 340 yards and three TDs. The opposite was true in Week 2, as Louisiana had its way on the ground.

The Owls’ Week 3 loss to San Jose State was a copy-and-paste job of their loss to UTSA, giving their future opponents the game plan for an easy win. Hopefully, the much-needed bye week helps Bohannon turn the season around.

131) Akron Zips (-1)

Since Terry Bowden left the program in 2018, Akron has been a bottom-of-the-nation team, posting no more than two wins in any season. If Joe Moorhead doesn’t produce results in 2024, the Zips will likely oust their head coach after just three years once again (Tom Arth, 2019-2021).

Of course, they weren’t expected to put up much of a fight against Ohio State in Week 1, but praise the defense for keeping the score 17-3 at halftime (it’s about the little victories). Week 2 was much of the same against Rutgers.

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Even the first quarter against Colgate looked rough, but Ben Finley and Co. exploded for 21 points in the second and maintained the lead the rest of the way.

Week 4 saw the Zips take a road trip to South Carolina to face the Gamecocks, and it went about as you’d expect: a blowout loss.

130) UTEP Miners (-1)

Former Austin Peay head coach Scott Walden brought many of his players with him to UTEP, so there’s reason to believe in the Miners’ future — but maybe not their present.

A 40-7 Week 1 loss to Nebraska, an FCS-over-FBS upset at the hands of Southern Utah, a tough defeat to Liberty, and a near victory against Colorado State will throw fans into an early maelstrom, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Cade McConnell looked like a clear upgrade over the incumbent starter Skyler Locklear, showing flashes of potential despite the challenges around him. If he can build on that performance and develop chemistry with his pass catchers, the Miners could find some momentum as the season progresses.

129) New Mexico State Aggies (-1)

New Mexico State just had its best two-year stretch (17 wins) in six decades, but with its head coach, offensive coordinator, QB1, and TE1 off to Vanderbilt, the program has crashed through the atmosphere in 2024.

New HC Tony Sanchez has been with the school as a WRs coach since 2022, so there’s at least some continuity. However, his head coaching track record isn’t all that exciting, as UNLV posted a 20-40 record during his time leading the Rebels (2015-2019).

The Aggies beat Southeast Missouri in Week 1 and gave Liberty a run for its money in Week 2, but outside of some big plays, the passing game has looked ugly through two weeks, culminating in horrendous losses to Fresno State in Week 3 and Sam Houston in Week 4.

128) Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (-1)

For the first time since 2006, Middle Tennessee has a new head coach at the helm, as Derek Mason succeeds Rick Stockstill.

The last time we saw Mason as a leading man, Vanderbilt went 0-8 (he posted zero winning seasons across seven years in Nashville). And the last time we saw him at all, he coached the 2022 Oklahoma State defense that allowed 440 yards per game, one of the worst marks in the nation.

In short, I’m not sure Mason was the correct hire, but he’ll have a chance to prove me wrong. His tenure has begun with a closer-than-you’d-like win against Tennessee Tech, a better-to-forget-it loss to Ole Miss, a do-we-even-have-a-defense defeat to Western Kentucky, and a have-we-given-up calamity to Duke.

We’ll see how the team gels over the course of the season, but the Blue Raiders have stumbled out of the blocks.

127) Wyoming Cowboys (-1)

Wyoming has a new HC patrolling the sidelines for the first time in a decade after Craig Bohl retired. However, Jay Sawvel is a familiar face in Laramie, as he has served as the team’s DC since 2020.

But with Evan Svoboda under center, the Cowboys are likely facing their first full losing season (not counting 2020’s six-game schedule) since 2015 after losing to Arizona State, Idaho, BYU, and now North Texas, all in convincing fashion.

126) Temple Owls (+5)

The Owls haven’t won more than three games in a season since 2019, and it’s unlikely the streak ends in 2024. QB E.J. Warner left for conference rival Rice, All-AAC OT Victor Stoffell transferred to Cal, and the team’s top four tacklers are gone.

Temple rolled with junior Forrest Brock under center against Oklahoma, and it went about as well as you’d expect: Sooners 51, Owls 3. It wasn’t all on Brock, as the Owls turned the ball over six times.

Navy and Coastal Carolina handed them their next two losses, but the Owls staunched the bleeding with an improbable 45-29 win over Utah State in Week 4. Seemingly, everything went their way, and QB Evan Simon appears to be the best option under center after totaling five TDs with no turnovers.

125) Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (-1)

Following two straight 3-9 campaigns to begin his tenure, Sonny Cumbie’s seat is heating up. Only six starters return, and much of the team’s projection rests on the shoulders of QB Jack Turner.

Turner exited during the Week 1 win against Nicholls after only eight passes due to injury, and the offense suffered because of it. The Bulldogs can’t turn the ball over and expect to win vs. FBS teams, as seen in their 30-20 loss to NC State after the Wolfpack’s starting QB was injured early.

The turnover train resumed in Week 4 with an INT and two lost fumbles, but the overtime loss to Tulsa was worse than that. The Bulldogs averaged just 2.1 yards per rush, and three QBs took snaps under center — at least they play in the CUSA, where games against FIU, MTSU, New Mexico State, UTEP, and Kennesaw State are winnable.

124) FIU Panthers (-27)

Dueling Indiana in Week 1 was a tough draw, as the Panthers couldn’t move the ball through the air or on the ground. The only positive takeaway was the defense’s ability to keep the score relatively respectable (31-7). Week 2 showed an entirely different side of the program, as FIU erupted against Central Michigan, 52-10.

It appears the Panthers only have two settings: debilitating loss or exhilarating win. In Week 3, it was the former’s turn, as they turned the ball over five times in a 38-20 defeat to FAU. The trend broke in Week 4, but not in FIU’s favor. Monmouth, who entered the contest 1-2, scored 45 points to the Panthers’ 42 on the road, leaving the home team with a disappointing 1-3 record so far.

123) Rice Owls (-26)

Losing JT Daniels to retirement and WR Luke McCaffrey to the draft hurt, but Rice returned practically everyone else. Yet, that hasn’t meant much this season.

Temple transfer QB E.J. Warner completed just 27 of 44 passes for 227 yards, one TD, and two INTs, handcuffing the offense’s success against Sam Houston in Week 1. But the defense didn’t fair much better, conceding 400+ yards on the day.

Even with Warner failing to impress once again, Rice ran all over Texas Southern in Week 2, going over 300 yards on just over 30 carries. But the gravy train ran off the tracks in Week 3, with Houston skunking Rice through three quarters, 26-0. The train remained derailed against Army, with the Black Knights bulldozing the Owls to a 28-0 lead at halftime.

122) Old Dominion Monarchs (+1)

Jason. Henderson. The All-American LB single-handedly raises Old Dominion’s floor, but the entire unit came together against South Carolina. Alas, the offense couldn’t do enough to upset the SEC program, with QB Grant Wilson throwing two picks and the running game barely averaging over three yards per attempt.

It was an impressive showing from the Monarchs, but the Week 2 loss was gut-wrenching to watch. The defense forced four turnovers and held East Carolina to 3.6 yards per carry. Yet, the offense went 5 of 16 on third down and was even worse on the ground, averaging 2.3 yards per attempt.

Wilson injured himself on the game’s final play, knocking him out of the clash with Virginia Tech in Week 3. Despite a valiant effort from backups Quinn Henicle and Colton Joseph, the Monarchs couldn’t notch their first victory of the season.

121) East Carolina Pirates (+1)

East Carolina ended a drought of back-to-back winning campaigns in 2021-22, but the Pirates crashed through the atmosphere in 2023, going 2-10 — their worst record since 2004. A 42-3 win over Norfolk State should’ve provided reason for optimism, but the offense committed six turnovers.

The turnover train steemed right ahead in Week 2, as Jake Garcia three zero TDs to four INTs. Yet, somehow, the Pirates pulled off the 20-14 victory over Old Dominion. But Garcia’s decision-making and ball-security issues caught up to the team in Week 3 against App State, as he threw another INT and fumbled in a 21-19 loss.

Despite a relatively safe performance from Garcia against Liberty, the Flames had ECU’s number in the second half, coming back from a 17-7 deficit at halftime to deliver the Pirates their second consecutive loss.

120) Charlotte 49ers (+1)

Head coach Biff Poggi brought in 24 transfers last season, and after the 49ers went 3-9, he added 27 more. Florida QB Max Brown and Iowa State RB Cartevious Norton are the most intriguing, but neither has looked the part of Power Four transfers thus far.

After back-to-back losses to James Madison and North Carolina, Charlotte needed an easy win against a win-less Gardner-Webb program. Brown missed the contest due to a hand injury, forcing true freshman Deshawn Purdie onto the field.

However, he only led the 49ers to six points through three quarters, but Trexler Ivey came in and did exactly what you expect an FBS QB to do to an FCS team: dominate (11 of 12 passing for 142 yards and two TDs).

The magic ran out against Indiana, with the Hoosiers cruising to a 52-14 blowout.

119) Florida Atlantic Owls (-1)

Tom Herman is a good coach, but the Owls underperformed in Year 1, posting a 4-8 record. Despite one of the easiest schedules in the country this season, it’s difficult to see FAU returning to its form under Lane Kiffin due to massive roster turnover.

Marshall transfer Cam Fancher is the starter behind center, and he isn’t on the same level as now-Florida A&M passer Daniel Richardson. He proved as much against Michigan State, completing 12 of his 25 passes for 116 yards, one TD, and two picks. Perhaps more concerning was his 25 carries for 67 yards — not because of the inefficiency, but because of the effect on his body.

He didn’t get to the tote the rock as many times in Week 2, as the Owls were down early against Army and couldn’t throw themselves out of the hole, losing 24-7. Welcoming FIU to a home-cooking gave the players a mental boost — one that only lasted a week, as UConn dampened their spirits with a dominant performance.

118) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (-1)

The Warhawks defeated Jackson State 30-14 in Week 1, but the Tigers are an FCS program … and not a playoff contender at that. However, the Warhawks knocked off UAB in Week 2, already matching their 2023 season win total (2-10).

True freshman Ahmad Hardy has been a revolution on the ground, rushing for 161 yards and two scores over the first two weeks. Unfortunately, a bout with Texas ended any and all momentum the Warhawks had, but the program shouldn’t let the bashing deflate them.

117) Southern Miss Golden Eagles (-1)

Southern Miss burst onto the Sun Belt stage with a 7-6 record in 2022 but fell to 3-9 in 2023. Will the real Golden Eagles please stand up? It isn’t difficult to envision both finishes in 2024 — it all depends on how their transfer additions pan out. Head coach Will Hall didn’t just dip into the portal; he dove in.

The offense replaces nine starters, and four transfers will play major roles on defense. The most notable newcomer is Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker, whose play will determine much of Southern Miss’ success … or lack thereof.

As a team finding cohesion, facing an SEC team in Week 1 wasn’t favorable. Rodemaker threw two picks, and the running game picked up *checks notes* five yards. Yikes. The Eagles turned the table on SE Louisiana, winning 35-10, but outside of a 70-yard run, the ground game was non-existent, just like it was against USF in Week 3.

To be fair, the game script quickly favored the pass, as after Southern Miss jumped out to a 14-0 lead, the Bulls exploded to a 49-24 victory using their … running game. And after two more picks against Jacksonville State, the Golden Eagles benched Rodemaker in favor of John White. Will that lead to more wins in 2024? Not likely.

116) Connecticut Huskies (+4)

With Notre Dame practically a member of the ACC and UMass joining the MAC in 2025, UConn is the only true FBS Independent remaining.

The Huskies have surpassed the four-win mark just twice in the last decade, but the arrow seemed to be pointing up with Jim Mora at the helm. His squad has one of the easiest schedules in the country this year, buoyed by a stretch of six straight home games with an off-week in the middle.

A 50-7 loss to a middling Maryland team was far from the start UConn hoped for, but they unleashed their frustration on Merrimack, scoring 63 points before the fourth quarter even began. The Huskies were one quarter away from upsetting Duke, but the Blue Devils scored nine unanswered to upend the upset bit.

Facing FAU in Week 4 was the perfect remedy, as UConn drove to a 17-0 lead after the second quarter without needing to go past second gear.

115) Nevada Wolf Pack (+4)

The Wolf Pack moved up a couple of spots despite losing to SMU because of the unexpected gumption they showed with a new head coach (Jeff Choate) and 56 newcomers, including 34 transfers.

They moved up once again after overcoming a scoreless first quarter to upset Troy, 28-26. However, Nevada saw its upward momentum cease following a 20-17 loss to Georgia Southern and completely reverse in a shutout against Minnesota. The Wolf Pack likely hit their ceiling just two games into the season, but they did earn their third win of the season over Eastern Washington in Week 4.

114) Houston Cougars (-21)

Houston, we have a problem.

The Cougars hired Willie Fritz to turn the program around after he led Tulane to back-to-back 10+ win seasons. A quick glance at the depth chart shows he got to work quickly, using the transfer portal to his advantage.

With so much change, it will take the Cougars some time to get the engine running, even with Donovan Smith at QB. Turnovers and the lack of a running game led to a 0-2 start, but Houston righted the ship in convincing fashion against Rice in Week 3.

Looking back, that was likely due more to Rice’s incompetence than Houston’s dominance, as in Week 4, Cincinnati had their way with the Cougars, jumping out to a 24-0 halftime lead.

113) Utah State Aggies (-9)

The Aggies went 0-7 against bowl teams last season and fielded a defense that routinely allowed 30+ points.

Getting a win in Week 1 is never a negative, but the QB play was. Spencer Petras appeared notably worse than Bryson Barnes against Robert Morris, and as the saying goes, if you have two QBs, you have none.

It all came to a head against USC in Week 2, as the Aggies gained just 190 total yards, scored zero points, and allowed 250+ passing and rushing yards. Barnes was unable to upset his former team in Week 3, as the Utah Utes picked him off twice and averaged 5.4 yards per rushing attempt.

Petras took the controls once again in Week 4, but the defense let the team down, allowing 45 points to Temple of all teams.

112) New Mexico Lobos (+3)

New Mexico fans are used to seeing their team at the bottom of power rankings, but it’s a new era with Bronco Mendenhall at the helm. While the Lobos blew a 31-14 lead, allowing 21 points in the fourth quarter, they impressed against Montana State, who has emerged as a powerhouse in the FCS.

It was a similar finish in Week 1, with New Mexico going band for band with a high-octane Arizona offense before stalling out in the second half. Then, the Lobos entered halftime down 17-13 against Auburn before the Tigers went on a 28-6 run in the second. See a trend?

Fresno State fixed the issue for New Mexico, running out to a first-quarter lead and never letting the score get close in Week 4.

111) Air Force Falcons (+3)

Air Force entered the season dead last out of 134 FBS teams in returning production (28% on offense; 23% on defense). And due to service academy requirements, the Falcons weren’t able to fill their holes with transfer portal additions.

The nature of the Falcons’ ground-and-pound offensive scheme limits their output, as seen in their 21-6 win over Merrimack. But the lack of a difference-making runner has been evident this season. Despite the defense playing well against San Jose State and Baylor, the offense can’t keep them off the field.

110) Ball State Cardinals (-4)

The 2024 season is a make-or-break campaign for HC Mike Neu. In his eight years in Muncie, the Cardinals have had just one winning season, albeit a good one: 7-1 with a bowl victory in 2020.

Rising QB Kadin Semonza seemingly forced veteran Kiael Kelly into an all-purpose role but didn’t impress against Missouri State. In fact, the Cardinals were on upset alert for much of the game. But Semonza impressed early on against Miami, even if his squad and little to no hope of actually pulling off the upset.

Yet, his best outing came against CMU in Week 4, as he completed 30 of 40 passes for 285 yards and three TDs. It wasn’t enough, though, with the defense conceding 37 points and 527 total yards to the Chippewas.

109) Arkansas State Red Wolves (-4)

After going 2-10 and 3-9 to kick off the Butch Jones era, the Red Wolves played their way to six wins and a bowl appearance in 2023.

The Red Wolves were nearly upset by FCS-level Central Arkansas in Week 1 but finished on top, 34-31. QB Jalen Raynor was erratic in the win but was more stable against Tulsa in Week 2, leading Arkansas State to their first 2-0 start since 2008.

But all good things must come to an end, as the Red Wolves ran into a heavy-hearted Michigan team in Week 3 and a more-than-competent Iowa State squad in Week 4.

108) Miami RedHawks (-32)

Miami is still looking for its first win of the season after losing to Northwestern, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame. The RedHawks’ defense has played well, but QB Brett Gabbert has looked nothing like his former self, and the running game has done nothing through three weeks.

107) Northwestern Wildcats (–)

David Braun took the Wildcats from 1-11 to 8-5 in his first season, marking one of the biggest one-year turnarounds in recent memory. However, Northwestern may have a reality check in 2024.

The team is bereft of top-tier talent, specifically on offense. That was clear in the first two weeks, as the Wildcats barely knocked off Miami (OH), 13-6, and fell to Duke, 26-20.

The coaching staff opted to bench veteran Mike Wright in order to see Jack Lausch vs. Eastern Illinois, and he played well, completing 20 of 31 passes for 227 yards and two scores with 62 more yards on the ground.

Of course, Washington was on another level and held the Wildcats to two points in the first half. The defense actually performed well, but it gave up two bombs early on, digging a hole the offense couldn’t get out of.

106) Tulsa Golden Hurricane (+6)

The Golden Hurricane handled business against a low-level FCS school in Week 1, although it was more of a game than it should’ve been. Tulsa left the first quarter tied 14-14 with Northwestern State but ultimately routed the Demons 62-28.

After four different signal-callers took snaps for HC Kevin Wilson last season, Kirk Francis has solidified his role as the starter. However, he couldn’t generate points when Tulsa needed them most against Arkansas State in Week 2, and Oklahoma State’s defense was simply too much to handle.

Louisiana Tech and its three QBs kept the Hurricane in the game long enough for them to pull off the road victory in overtime. It was an ugly win (4 of 16 on third down and 13 penalties), but a win nonetheless.

105) Central Michigan Chippewas (+8)

There isn’t much to glean from the Chippewas 66-10 route of Central Connecticut State other than Iowa transfer Joe Labas played spectacularly after battling incumbent Bert Emanuel Jr. for the starting job.

Emanuel suffered a nondisclosed injury before the game, thrusting Labas into the starting role. Labas shined in Week 1, but the bottom fell out against FIU, as he threw five interceptions in a 52-16 blowout. He didn’t fare much better against Illinois but did enough to stave off Ball State in Week 4.

It was great to see Emanuel back on the field, as he ran for two scores and threw for another on his only passing attempt, providing a much-needed spark.

104) San Diego State Aztecs (+7)

San Diego State is going through an identity change with Sean Lewis at the controls. Usually, the defense blitzes the offense, but Lewis’ unit will pressure its opponents to keep up. That said, he has an unproven starting QB in true freshman Danny O’Neill.

The Aztecs’ defense should remain in the top half of the conference with the help of several transfers, including Tennessee State DB Bryce Phillips, the younger brother of former Utah Ute and current Atlanta Falcon Clark Phillips III.

Marquez Cooper has brought the uber-productive running back archetype back to San Diego State, and all is right in the world. O’Neill was poised in a Week 1 win over Texas A&M-Commerce but hit the deck against Oregon State in Week 2, leading zero scoring drives. An injury kept him out of the Week 3 matchup with Cal, leading to an easy victory for the Bears.

103) Jacksonville State Gamecocks (-2)

After losing three straight, Rich Rodriguez’s Gamecocks finally got a dub. The defense that was non-existent, allowing 37+ points and 375+ yards in each contest of the first three contests, bounced back against Southern Miss.

QB Tyler Huff continued his linear progression, completing 10 of his first 12 passes for 197 yards and a score, adding another TD on the ground before halftime.

102) UAB Blazers (+8)

Trent Dilfer was a controversial hire last season, and a 4-8 record in his inaugural campaign didn’t quell concerns. That said, the offense showed promise, with OC Alex Mortensen scheming the plays and QB Jacob Zeno delivering on the field.

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The real issue was the sieve of a defense that allowed 31+ points to all 11 of their FBS opponents. Defeating Alcorn State 41-3 was a start, but the Blazers fell to ULM in Week 2 (32) and Arkansas in Week 3 (37), allowing over 31 points in both games.

101) Buffalo Bulls (+24)

Maurice Linguist is out, and Pete Lembo is in. Longtime fans of the MAC should remember Lembo as Ball State’s HC in the early 2010s. He led the program to back-to-back bowl appearances and 9+ campaigns. Can Lembo do the same with the Bulls?

Lembo added Virginia offensive analyst Dave Patenaude to run the unit, and he leaned on his rushing attack to defeat a stout Lafayette team in Week 1.

QB CJ Ogbonna isn’t an accurate passer, as he showed in Week 2 against Missouri, but he can move the ball through the air when needed, as he did against UMass in Week 3.

If the offense operates at a conference-average level, Buffalo could surprise some teams in the MAC due to its talent-laden defense, which is exactly what it did against Northern Illinois in Week 4, pulling off the 23-20 overtime victory as 12.5-point dogs.

100) North Texas Mean Green (+9)

The Mean Green lost QB Chandler Rogers, RB Ayo Adeyi, WR Ja’Mori Maclin, and 20+ players to the transfer portal after a 5-7 debut in the AAC.

However, the roster isn’t bereft of talent and showed as much in a high-flying 52-38 win over South Alabama that included a 28-point third quarter. Even with multiple picks, QB Chandler Morris kept his foot on the gas pedal against Stephen F. Austin in Week 2, posting 300+ yards and four TDs through the air.

But Texas Tech isn’t either of those programs and proved as much, rocketing out to a 44-7 lead midway through the second quarter. The Mean Green imitated the Red Raiders against Wyoming in Week 4, putting a 41-13 lead midway through the third quarter.

99) Sam Houston Bearkats (+9)

Sam Houston had a rude awakening in the FBS last season, going 3-9. But a closer look shows reason for optimism. The Bearkats ended the year strong, winning three of their final four games. Additionally, they dropped six contests by 10 points or less, including a five-point defeat to 2023 CUSA champ Liberty and an overtime loss to Jacksonville State.

The offense just needs to score more than 20 points per game (second lowest in the CUSA last season). They did just that against a veteran-laden Rice defense, winning 34-14. Unfortunately, the Bearkats couldn’t pick up where they left off in Week 2 as they ran into the bulldozer that is UCF’s rushing game.

Hawaii and New Mexico State were sights for sore eyes in Weeks 3 and 4, as the Bearkats practically walked their way to back-to-back victories.

98) Troy Trojans (+5)

Jon Sumrall joined the Trojans in 2022, led them to back-to-back conference titles and 11+ win seasons, and left to become Tulane’s HC this offseason. Former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker will take the reigns, but fans shouldn’t expect a third straight Sun Belt Championship.

In terms of total statistics, the Trojans should’ve beaten Nevada in Week 1, but a closer look points to the Wolf Pack being more efficient in all phases. Neither Week 2 nor 3 provided a reprieve, with Memphis and Iowa throttling Troy in back-to-back contests.

However, the Trojans stopped the bleeding against FCS-level Florida A&M at home, even if the 14-9 halftime score had some fans on the edge of their seats.

97) Ohio Bobcats (+1)

Ohio has won 10 games in two straight seasons under Tim Albin, but keeping the streak alive in 2024 will be challenging.

Although Syracuse gave Parker Navarro fits through the air, the rushing attack, led by Anthony Tyus III — notably not Rickey Hunt Jr. — averaged 6.5 yards per clip en route to 255 and two scores. The defense even held the Orange to zero points in the first quarter before bending in the second and third.

All the Bobcats did against South Alabama in Week 2 was record 404 total yards in a 27-20 win. The defense bent but didn’t break, and as long as the ground game keeps churning, Ohio will be in most games this year.

Navarro was at least able to pop off in the first quarter against Morgan State, going 5 for 5 for 104 yards and a score before throwing multiple INTs. Kentucky proved to be a different beast in Week 4, cruising to a 17-0 lead at halftime. The Wildcats’ defense overwhelmed Navarrao and Co., but the Bobcats’ own defensive unit held its own for the most part.

96) Marshall Thundering Herd (-18)

Bob Pruett. Doc Holliday. Charles Huff. The Thundering Herd have had some excellent coaches patrolling their sidelines over the years, and Huff has a chance to cement his place next to all-time program greats.

The transfer portal hit the team hard, but Huff did his best to fill the holes. OC Seth Doege has the talent to work with, and the Herd exhibited a taste of it against Stony Brook, winning 45-3.

Marshall tabbed Stone Earle as the starter this season, but with Braylon Braxton also on the depth chart, it’s difficult to see why, especially after the 31-14 loss to Virginia Tech. The Thundering Herd were never going to give Ohio State much of a battle, but at least it was 7-7 entering the second quarter.

95) Purdue Boilermakers (–)

Transitioning from Jeff Brohm to Ryan Walters didn’t provide immediate results, and Year 2 may not be much better. Hudson Card is a better QB than given credit for — 24 of 25 passing for 273 yards and four TDs in the opener against Illinois State — and has Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love III in the backfield.

Yet, the transfer portal giveth and taketh away, with WR Deion Burks (Oklahoma) and EDGE Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) leaving for the SEC. Notre Dame and Oregon State got out to early leads in Weeks 3 and 4 and never let up, proving Purdue is still a couple of years away from putting up any sort of resistance in the Big Ten.

94) Eastern Michigan Eagles (+8)

Chris Creighton’s Eagles have predominately been an above-average MAC team, making six bowl games in the last eight years. The roster had several holes to fill in the offseason, and Creighton used the transfer portal to do so.

The Eagles could’ve — and should’ve — defeated UMass by more than 14 points, but a win is a win, especially to kick off the season. Their lack of execution carried over into Week 2 against Washington, as EMU went 3 of 14 on third down and gained just two yards on every carry.

Despite nearly doubling Jacksonville State’s time of possession in Week 3, the Eagles needed overtime to stave off the winless Gamecocks. Why? Because they scored 28 points in the first half but just three in the second, and were it not for the defense coming up clutch on third and fourth down, this writeup would’ve gone quite differently.

Even the win against St. Francis wasn’t as easy as it should’ve been, making EMU’s 3-1 record feel a bit deceiving.

93) Stanford Cardinal (+7)

Head coach Troy Taylor only won three games in Year 1, but there’s reason for optimism heading into Year 2. Elic Ayomanor is one of the best WRs in the game, and Ashton Daniels should show growth as the year progresses.

Stanford had one of the worst scoring defenses in the entire FBS (37.7 points per game) last season, and they allowed 34 to TCU in Week 1. A get-right game against Cal Poly in Week 2 could have been a turning point for the unit, as they proved their mettle against Syracuse in Week 4.

The Orange had no running game to speak of, and EDGEs Wilfredo Aybar and David Bailey made Kyle McCord’s life hell in the backfield. Despite several untimely penalties and interceptions, the Cardinal escaped with a 26-24 road victory, thanks to the right leg of kicker Emmet Kenney III.

92) Georgia Southern Eagles (-7)

With OC Bryan Ellis leaving for Alabama and QB Davis Brin graduating, the Eagles’ offense seemed to be in a state of flux. HC Clay Helton promoted TEs coach and passing coordinator Ryan Aplin to OC, and former Memphis transfer QB J.C. French earned the starting job.

After being held scoreless in the first quarter, the Eagles scored 14+ points in each of the final three quarters against Boise State, pushing the Broncos to the brink. Yet, it was too little too late, as Georgia Southern fell 56-45. Still, it was an impressive outing by the offense — let’s just hope this was the defense’s floor.

Despite having no running game to speak of, French powered the Eagles to a tight 20-17 victory over Nevada in Week 2. Neither team scored in the final frame, but Georgia Southern’s defense held the Wolf Pack to just three points in the last three quarters.

Facing South Carolina State in Week 3 allowed the offense to return to their scoring ways, but Ole Miss knocked them down again in Week 4.

91) Mississippi State Bulldogs (-7)

Jeff Lebby is an offensive guru, but he’ll need time to implement a winning culture and sustained success. With Baylor QB Blake Shapen under center, the Bulldogs could score some points but don’t expect much more in Year 1 under a new head coach.

Eastern Kentucky was a good practice game to begin the season with, as Shapen and Co. unloaded 56 points on the Colonels. However, Arizona State, Toledo, and Florida proved to be much stronger opponents than previously anticipated, handing the Bulldogs back-to-back-to-back Ls.

With Texas, Georgia, and Texas A&M on the docket, the Bulldogs could head into Week 9 with a 1-6 record.

90) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (–)

After 31 wins in three years with HC Jamey Chadwell and QB Grayson McCall at the helm, the Chanticleers fell to a middle-of-the-road team in Year 1 of the Tim Beck era. The 2024 season will be the real test, with McCall off to NC State and the majority of the defense gone.

QB Ethan Vasko struggled against Jacksonville State, but the Chanticleers cruised to a 55-27 victory, largely thanks to the rushing attack and the Gamecocks’ own less-than-ideal QB play. Coastal Carolina ran the ball 56 times for 297 yards and three scores, while the defense held JSU to 1 of 10 on third down and forced three turnovers.

William & Mary and Temple never really stood chances in Weeks 2 and 3, but Vasko put up two more subpar performances, calling into question Coastal’s ceiling this season. That ceiling appeared in Week 4 against Virginia, with the Chanticleers dropping their first game of the season — one they were never really in.

89) UCLA Bruins (-15)

Chip Kelly is out, and DaShaun Foster is in. The roster and fanbase seemingly bought into his style of coaching in the offseason, but they were repaid with a 16-13 win over Hawaii, a home blowout loss to Indiana, and a second-half collapse to LSU, bringing more questions than answers.

Ethan Garbers is a game-managing QB with no weapons around him. But more troubling has been the running game’s ineptitude, as it has gained 181 yards on 68 carries with just one score.

88) Vanderbilt Commodores (+3)

Vanderbilt has been a perennial bottom-feeder in the SEC, but perhaps the arrival of the New Mexico State contingent will be enough for the Commodores to crawl themselves out of the cellar.

QB Diego Pavia single-handedly drove the team to a win over Virginia Tech, even if it required overtime. The ‘Dores then took care of business against Alcorn State, beginning their season 2-0 for the first time since 2018.

However, Pavia’s heroics weren’t enough to defeat Georgia State on the road, especially after falling into a 22-10 hole entering the fourth quarter. He then powered the Commodores to overtime against Missouri, but a 31-yard missed field goal unceremoniously ended their upset effort.

87) Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (+2)

The biggest favorite of Week 0 (-39.5), Hawaii only beat Delaware State by 21 points (35-14) after a disastrous first half. The poor play followed the Rainbow Warriors into Week 1 against UCLA, as prolific QB Brayden Schager averaged 6.0 yards or fewer per attempt for the second straight game.

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The defense kept them in the contest, but against higher-powered offenses, Hawaii will likely be blown back to its island this season. Sam Houston may not be who you pictured when I said “higher-powered offenses,” but the sentence remains, as the Bearkats defeated the Rainbow Warriors 31-13.

Schager is back! Yes, it was against Northern Iowa when nearly the entire nation was asleep, but he completed his first 10 passes for 140 yards and two TDs. If he can maintain any semblance of a rhythm the rest of the year, we’ll finally see Hawaii put up the points they are supposed to.

86) Colorado State Rams (+2)

The Rams are on a six-year stretch without a winning season, and it could become seven.

We knew the Rams would lose in Week 1 against Texas; we just didn’t know it would be so one-sided. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed just 10 of 18 passes for 59 yards and a pick — not great. He didn’t light up Northern Colorado in Week 2 either, and although the Rams won, two-time 1,000-yard Tory Horton has to be questioning his decision to turn down six-figure NIL deals to return to Fort Collins.

An embarrassing loss to in-state rival Colorado only exacerbated matters, especially after BFN and Horton took shots at the Buffaloes prior to kickoff. Winning cures many issues, but the Week 4 victory over UTEP was likely tighter than the Rams expected, with Fowler-Nicolosi throwing for under 200 yards with another pick.

85) Western Michigan Broncos (+2)

The Broncos stepped into Camp Randall as 24.5-point underdogs but took Wisconsin the distance, falling 28-14 due to a fourth-quarter rally by the Badgers.

Turnovers (two) and third-down efficiency (3 of 10) were Western Michigan’s downfall, but it was as good of a loss as you can have, especially due to the secondary’s performance. The same can’t be said for a 56-0 outing against Ohio State. The only thing the Broncos could do with that result is accept it and forget it.

WMU bounced back against Bethune-Cookman, hitting 35 points by halftime. The passing and running games were hot knives through butter, but the defense needs to tighten up to win games vs. FBS competition.

84) Georgia State Panthers (+2)

Christian Veilleux won the four-QB battle and played as well as he could against a stifling Georgia Tech defense. Outside of an interception, the defense was a turnstile, allowing the Yellow Jackets to have everything they wanted on the ground and through the air.

Chattanooga gave Panthers fans a scare in Week 2, but Georgia State was able to close with a 24-21 finish. The program then upset 8.5-point favorite Vanderbilt, leading in nearly every total and efficiency statistic.

83) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (–)

Dave Clawson’s Demon Deacons have been a middle-of-the-road ACC competitor for most of his tenure, but they ranked last with a 1-7 conference record in 2023. It looked like the disappointment would continue in 2024 after they entered halftime up only 17-10 to North Carolina A&T, but it was all Wake Forest in the second half, pulling out to a 45-13 victory.

It looked as if the ‘Deacs would handle Virginia in Week 2, but the offense choked its last three possessions: punt, turnover on downs, fumble. Wake Forest racked up 544 yards but stalled on key drives when they had a chance to pull away.

While the Deacons weren’t expected to win against Ole Miss in Week 3, at least they kept it semi-close.

82) UTSA Roadrunners (–)

UTSA has been one of the top Group of Five teams in recent years, but HC Jeff Traylor will have to prove he can keep his squad afloat without longtime QB Frank Harris. Although Owen McCown isn’t the Roadrunner legend, he has flashed when on the field, including in Week 1 against a Kennesaw State defense that quietly has some all-conference talent.

However, neither he nor Eddie Lee Marburger had an answer against Texas State, resulting in a blowout loss. The Roadrunners then struggled to even stay on the same field as Texas in Week 3, but they were at least able to unleash their frustrations on Houston Christian in Week 4.

81) San José State Spartans (-2)

SJSU needed a 21-0 run to put Sacramento State away in Week 1 and relied on its defense to round out a 17-7 slogfest against Air Force in Week 2. However, the Spartans enjoyed their first “easy” win against Kennesaw State in Week 3 before dropping their first game of the season in a Friday night shootout with Washington State.

The loss in Pulman, Washington, extends San Jose State’s road losing streak to Pac-12 opponent to 26. The defense clearly has some work to do, but Emmet Brown and Co. put up a valiant effort, coming up short by one two-point conversion.

Despite the loss, WR Nick Nash continued his Heisman campaign with a 16-152-2 receiving line.

80) Michigan State Spartans (-3)

Jonathan Smith’s turnaround in Corvallis, Ore., took a few years, and Michigan State fans should prepare for the same in East Lansing, Mich. Camp star Aidan Chiles’ debut was anything but impressive, as he completed just 10 of 24 passes for 114 yards and two picks against FAU.

It didn’t help that RB1 Nate Carter couldn’t get anything going on the ground (19-48-0), but UMass transfer Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams was a sight for sore eyes, gaining 101 yards and a score on just nine attempts.

Chiles didn’t do much better in Week 2 against Maryland, throwing the same amount of TDs as INTs (3). It was still enough to eke out a 27-24 win, but he has to improve his decision-making or the Spartans will begin to lose games at a rapid pace.

Of course, PVAMU provided little resistance in Week 3, but that wasn’t the case against Boston College, and Ohio State will only up the ante in Week 5.

79) Baylor Bears (-4)

The 2024 season could be Dave Aranda’s last in Waco if he doesn’t tilt the scales back in the Bears’ favor. Since going 12-2 and winning the Sugar Bowl in 2021, Baylor has gone 9-16. Landing Toledo star Dequan Finn was huge and made new OC Jake Spavital’s job easier.

Finn tossed a pair of TDs and INTs against Tarleton State, but if there was a game to be reckless with the ball, it was that one, as the Bears left their home stadium with a 45-3 dub.

Ball security issues were once again an issue in Week 2 vs. Utah, as Finn fumbled twice. He also completed less than 50% of his passes, and against a team as talented as the Utes, there was no coming back. Finn suffered an injury in the contest, prompting Sawyer Robertson to take the reigns in a 31-3 Week 3 win over Air Force.

Robertson accounted for another three TDs with no turnovers against Colorado, but the Buffs took care of business in overtime, resulting in Baylor’s 38-31 loss. The Bears are already 0-2 in the Big 12 — if they don’t turn it around, fans will begin calling for Aranda’s job.

78) Appalachian State Mountaineers (-28)

The Mountaineers took care of business against East Tennessee State, although the defense allowed RB Devontae Houston to run for 126 yards and a score on 15 touches. Defeating a Clemson team hungry for redemption was never going to be in the cards, but the Mountaineers couldn’t do anything offensively in Week 2.

The struggles continued against East Carolina in Week 3, but they came to ahead in Week 4, with South Alabama leading 28-0 at the half. The Mountaineers have been thoroughly outplayed at the line of scrimmage, and QB Joey Aguilar hasn’t been able to make up for it like he did last year.

77) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (-15)

Michael Desormeaux has posted back-to-back 6-7 seasons since taking over for Bill Napier, and his squad could take a big leap in 2024. The roster was largely intact this offseason, with nine defensive starters and most of the offensive line and skill-position corps returning.

QB Zeon Chriss is off to Houston, but Ben Wooldridge played well in back-to-back victories over Grambling and Kennesaw State and kept it close with Tulane in Week 3. If he can keep the turnovers to a minimum (two INTs against the Green Wave), the Cajuns will remain atop the Sun Belt standings.

76) Kansas Jayhawks (29-)

In just three years, Lance Leipold has taken the Jayhawks from 2-10 to 9-4 with a bowl victory. Unfortunately, the linear progression hasn’t continued in 2024.

The Jayhawks sprinted to a 48-3 victory over Lindenwood in Week 1 but stumbled on the road against Illinois in Week 2, at home against a red-hot UNLV team in Week 3, and in Morgantown vs. West Virginia in Week 4.

Jalon Daniels has completed just 57.5% of his passes and thrown four TDs to seven INTs this year — if he doesn’t figure it out through the air, the Jayhawks are in for a long season.

75) Auburn Tigers (-27)

Surprise! Auburn has a QB problem. Oh, that’s not a surprise? Oh well.

After a four-INT game in week 2, Hugh Freeze pulled the plug on Payton Thorne and inserted highly touted true freshman Hank Brown into the starting lineup. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 235 yards and four TDs against New Mexico.

However, Arkansas was a different animal, picking Brown off three times before snatching another pick from Thorne later in the game. The Tigers could have Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, and Tyreek Hill outside — their QBs wouldn’t be able to get the ball to them.

74) Navy Midshipmen (+25)

A season finale loss to Army dropped Navy to 5-7 overall and out of bowl contention in Brian Newberry’s first year. They should see more success with former Mercer head coach Drew Cronic coming over to call the plays after leading the Bears to their first-ever FCS playoff appearance.

Having Eli Heidenreich and Alex Tecza certainly makes his job easier, and Newberry will ensure the defensive side of the ball keeps up its end of the bargain.

Dropping Bucknell in Week 1 was expected, and Temple didn’t cause the Midshipmen to sweat much In Week 2.

However, by far their biggest win came against Memphis in Week 4, a program that seemed primed to earn the Group of Five’s spot in the College Football Playoff. QB Blake Horvath took what the offensive line gave him, which was 211 yards and four scores on the ground.

73) South Alabama Jaguars (+21)

HC Kane Wommack, starting QB Carter Bradley, leading rusher La’Damian Webb, and all-world receiver Caullin Lacy left this offseason, but the Jaguars have battled their way to a 2-2 record.

Sophomore QB Gio Lopez shined in the opener, producing 432 yards and three TDs through the air while rushing for another 62 yards and a score. But he was one of the only Jaguars to show up offensively or defensively as North Texas triumphed 52-38. He missed Week 2 with a toe injury, and although backup Bishop Davenport wasn’t a steep drop-off, the Jaguars couldn’t leave Athens with a win over Ohio.

A get-right Week 3 matchup with Northwestern State was just what the doctor ordered, as South Alabama scored a ridiculous 87 points — the most by an FBS team since 1991. Then, USA came right back and embarrassed projected conference frontrunner App State, leading 28-0 at halftime.

With a healthy Lopez under center, the Jaguars could play their way into the Sun Belt Championship.

72) Army Black Knights (+20)

If there’s one word to describe Jeff Monken’s Black Knights, it’s consistent. They’ve only suffered one losing season after his first two years with the program (2014-15), and they closed the 2023 campaign with four straight wins, including victories over Air Force and Navy for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy.

The rushing attack reinstituted its supremacy against Lehigh in Week 1, taking 56 carries for 375 and six TDs. The unit came right back and completely obliterated FAU in Week 2 and Rice in Week 4. With a rather soft schedule, don’t sleep on the Black Knights in the AAC this season.

71) Florida State Seminoles (+1)

Any hopes of Florida State going undefeated in the regular season were dashed in Week 0. The massive transfer infusion wasn’t enough to make up for a defensive front seven that was manhandled down in and down out.

It wasn’t a fluke either, as the Seminoles allowed 270+ rushing yards to Boston College. However, it’s time to wonder just how many wins they’ll pick up in 2023 after losing to Memphis in Week 3 and narrowly defeating Cal in Week 4.

Mike Norvell’s squad is vastly underperforming in the trenches, and DJ Uiagalelei can’t capitalize on the talent around him, let alone elevate it.

70) Virginia Cavaliers (+11)

Tony Elliott has won exactly three games in each of his two seasons as Virginia’s leading man, but he’s already matched that win total through four games in 2024.

The Cavaliers kicked the year off with a 34-13 win over a talented Richmond team and narrowly defeated Wake Forest 31-30 in Week 2. No one got going on the ground, and QB Anthony Colandrea threw two picks, but the Cavs scored 10 unanswered fourth-quarter points to seal the victory.

The script was flipped in Week 3, as Maryland scored 10 unanswered to escape with the win. Colandrea threw another two picks and lost a fumble to boot, tying the team’s hands behind its back. He played a much cleaner game against Coastal Carolina in Week 4 — albeit less explosive — translating to a 27-10 halftime lead.

69) Cincinnati Bearcats (+11)

Indiana transfer Brendan Sorsby was a revelation through two weeks, erupting vs. Towson and Pittsburgh through the air. But due to poor defense and play-calling in the second half, the Bearcats lost their first game against the Panthers.

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Sorsby came back down to Earth some against a stout Miami (OH) defense, but Cincinnati got back into the win column. Yet, the entire team found its rhythm in Week 4, checking every box in a dominant win over Big 12 opponent Houston.

68) Arizona State Sun Devils (–)

The Sun Devils have had their way offensively in 2024, with Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt looking solid under center and Cam Skattebo pounding the rock, especially against Mississippi State in Week 2 (33-262-0).

Year 2 of the Kenny Dillingham era has gotten off to a fast start, but the Sun Devils were unable to keep the momentum rolling against Big 12 competition, losing 30-22 to Texas Tech in Week 4. Leavitt struggled through the air, with Skattebo the only real offensive threat, scoring two TDs on the ground and hauling in six receptions for 117 yards.

A home matchup against a floundering Kansas program should give Arizona State its first Big 12 win in Week 6.

67) Toledo Rockets (–)

Toledo may have lost Dequan Finn to Baylor, but Tucker Gleason has done enough to produce three wins. And while the first two came against Duquesne and UMass, the third was over SEC member Mississippi State. The running game hasn’t been consistent, but if it can find some semblance of success, the Rockets will continue their path to the moon.

That path hit a hitch in Week 4, as Western Kentucky’s Devonte’ Mathews snatched two game-sealing INTs. Regardless of the result, Toledo was a play or two away from a road win over a CUSA contender. We’ll need to see the program’s clutch gene in pivotal moments, but the talent is there.

66) Duke Blue Devils (+7)

Although Mike Elko was Duke’s head coach for only two seasons, the team had its most successful back-to-back campaigns since 2014-2015. Manny Diaz has kept the momentum going to open the 2024 season, as the Blue Devils are 4-0.

It took double overtime to defeat Northwestern on the road, as the offense couldn’t seem to produce on the ground. After averaging 2.2 yards per carry vs. Elon, the unit tapped out at 3.1 against the Wildcats.

Despite an utter lack of a rushing attack, the Blue Devils picked up their fourth win against Middle Tennessee State. Thanks to two fumbles and a long TD pass, Duke entered the second quarter up 28-10 and never relinquished the lead.

65) Oregon State Beavers (+6)

Following three straight losing seasons to begin his tenure, Jonathan Smith turned Oregon State into a Pac-12 competitor, owning a 25-13 record and three bowl appearances over the last three years. Yet, he saw the writing on the wall for the conference and jumped ship for the leading role at Michigan State, taking several coaches and players with him.

Perhaps the most impactful athlete joining the head coach in East Lansing is highly touted QB Aidan Chiles. His loss hurts even more with starter DJ Uiagalelei departing for Florida State earlier in the offseason.

The Beavers’ schedule does not include any obvious losses moving forward, but contests against UNLV, San Jose State, Washington State, and Boise State in four of their final six games will test their resilience. With no room for error, the Beavers will need to stay sharp to navigate a challenging stretch and build toward competing in a new-look Pac-12 in the future.

64) Kentucky Wildcats (+6)

Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff didn’t eviscerate Southern Miss in Week 1, but he still game-managed his way to a 31-0 win. Yet, with the game script reversed in Week 2 vs. South Carolina, Vandagriff flailed and was ultimately benched in favor of Gavin Wimsatt, who didn’t perform any better.

The defense can only hang on so long, especially when the offense turns the ball over twice and averages a paltry 2.8 yards per play. The Wildcats caught Georgia napping but couldn’t seal the deal, allowing the game’s only TD midway through the fourth quarter.

The commanding win over Ohio was nice, but the Wildcats are still 0-2 in conference play thus far, with their next league matchup being a road matchup at Ole Miss.

63) Maryland Terrapins (+3)

Even behind an offensive line rooting out four new starters, Billy Edwards Jr. impressed in a 50-7 Week 1 victory, completing 20 of 27 passes for 311 yards and two TDs. UConn may not be a vaunted opponent, but the Huskies are no FCS program.

Edwards performed well once again against Michigan State, but the lack of a running game (2.8 yards per carry), an INT, nine total penalties, and facing 17 third downs was too much to overcome. The poor rushing attack (3.5 YPA) and penalties (eight) remained against Virginia in Week 3, but the defense more than made up for it, snatching two INTs and recovering two fumbles.

UConn may not have been an FCS team, but Week 4 opponent Villanova is. While the Wildcats checked in at No. 6 on the FCS Power Rankings, they were simply outmatched against the Terrapins.

62) Texas Tech Red Raiders (+3)

Behren Morton thrived in Week 1, going 30 of 42 for 378 yards and five TDs. However, the defense allowed Abilene Christian to force overtime and end the night with 51 points.

That game should’ve been a warning sign for the Red Raiders, as they fell 37-16 to Washington State in the Mike Leach Legacy Bowl. Turning the ball over four times and going 1 for 5 on fourth downs didn’t help their cause, as the Red Raiders struggled to find any rhythm on offense.

However, they were able to beat up on North Texas in Week 3, dropping 44 points on the Mean Green by the second quarter, and knocked off an undefeated Arizona State squad in Week 4. The offense can clearly score, but the defense may hold the team back against stiffer competition.

61) Northern Illinois Huskies (-19)

Rocky Lombardi is gone, but the Huskies are a run-first team anyway — and who better to hand the ball off to than 1,300-yard RB Antario Brown? Plus, having WR Trayvon Rudolph, TE Grayson Barnes, and one of the best OLs in the conference will make the transition to QB Ethan Hampton smoother.

Northern Illinois’ complete dominance over Western Illinois in Week 1 set the stage for what would become one of the biggest upsets in school history, as they stunned Notre Dame 16-14 in Week 2.

The glee was short-lived, as the Huskies were also upset as nearly two-TD favorites over Buffalo in Week 4. Even with a bye week to prepare, NIU couldn’t handle the Bulls’ suffocating defense, averaging just 4.2 yards per play and facing 22 third downs.

60) TCU Horned Frogs (-8)

TCU was in the national championship just two years ago, but that fact is already a distant memory. Considering the 65-7 final score against Georgia, it’s probably best for the Horned Frogs. Regardless, QB Josh Hoover flashed in his redshirt freshman season and has been even better so far in 2024.

The Stanford game wasn’t pretty, with the Horned Frogs losing two fumbles and committing seven penalties for 100 yards, including three straight 15-yard personal fouls in the first quarter.

But TCU’s lack of a dominant ground game was apparent in a heartbreaking loss to UCF in Week 3 and again in a 66-42 shootout loss to rival SMU.

59) North Carolina Tar Heels (-22)

Despite Drake Maye’s obvious talent, the Tar Heels underperformed in his tenure, going 17-10 record with two bowl losses. Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson took the reigns, but he suffered a broken leg in Week 1 and is out for the season, thrusting sophomore Conner Harrell into the starting lineup.

He secured the win over Minnesota with a 32-yard completion to set up the game-winning field goal and played well enough to put up 38 points on Charlotte. RB Omarion Hampton and TE Bryson Nesbit suffered injuries in the contest, but both returned in a Week 3 win over North Carolina Central.

However, the game was too close for comfort, and after a scoreless first quarter, Harrell was pulled in favor of Jacolby Criswell, pointing to further QB concerns. Criswell flashed at times against James Madison, but the Dukes blitzed the Tar Heels in every phase, scoring 39 points midway through the second quarter.

58) Minnesota Golden Gophers (-2)

P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota tenure has been defined by “culture.” However, culture can only take you so far, especially with four more teams joining the conference. Fleck knows this and put his chips on former New Hampshire star Max Bosmer to provide stability at QB.

He played fine enough against North Carolina, but the Golden Gophers desperately missed one-man wrecking crew Darius Taylor, with Marcus Major averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. The defense did all it could to contain Doak Walker Award finalist Omarion Hampton, but if the offense doesn’t get back on track, their efforts will be null and void.

Get-right games against Richmond and Nevada renewed confidence, as the Golden Gophers put up 75 unanswered points across both contests. However, Iowa undid the positive momentum, crushing Minnesota 31-14, with Kaleb Johnson rushing for 200+ yards and three scores in Week 4.

57) Bowling Green Falcons (+1)

TE Harold Fannin Jr. — that’s all you need to know. Well, and QB Connor Bazelak, who has completed just over 60% of his passes for 9,305 yards, 48 TDs, and 34 INTs across five seasons and three programs.

HC Scot Loeffler’s offense has the chance to be the best in the MAC this season, and the unit gave Penn State (Week 2) and Texas A&M (Week 4) all they could handle. Although both teams put any upset talks to bed by the fourth quarter, the Falcons punched above their weight class for the majority of the contests and should be seen as the favorite in the MAC.

56) California Bears (+1)

Traveling across the country for most away games is certainly a factor, but Cal could make some noise in its first year in the ACC. RB Jaydn Ott is a monster on the ground, and both QBs (North Texas transfer Chandler Rogers and Fernando Mendoza) are capable of leading the team to wins.

However, the Bears’ 31-13 Week 1 win over UC Davis easily could’ve gone the other way. The Aggies led in total yards (301 to 283), first downs (20 to 14), and time of possession (30:19 to 29:41), but three turnovers and going 0 for 4 on fourth downs cut their upset attempt at the knees.

Cal crossed their country for their Week 2 date with Auburn and came out victorious. The offense wasn’t spectacular, and the team committed 11 penalties. Yet, the defense suffocated the Tigers’ offense and did the same against San Diego State for their third straight win.

The defense once again held its own against Florida State, but the offense was allergic from scoring, generating 410 total yards but putting up just nine points against FSU’s 14.

55) South Florida Bulls (–)

Former Josh Huepel assistant Alex Golesh hit the ground running in his first year at USF, leading the Bulls to their first winning season since 2018, and it wasn’t a fluke.

The Bulls came out of the gates on fire, torching Bethune-Cookman 48-3 in Week 1. They even went toe to toe with Alabama before losing steam in the fourth quarter. Southern Miss was kind enough to serve as USF’s stress reliever in Week 3, as the Bulls ran the ball 51 times for 369 yards (7.2 average) and five TDs en route to a 49-24 victory.

Yet another blueblood Power Four program added to the Bulls’ loss column in Week 4, but they have the talent to punch above their weight consistently.

54) Florida Gators (+7)

The offensive line was roasted by Miami’s defensive line in Week 1, and the offensive scheme didn’t help, but Graham Mertz didn’t elevate the talent around him. He was injured right before the fourth quarter, allowing five-star true freshman DJ Lagway to receive valuable reps.

With Mertz out with a concussion, Lagway got the start in Week 2 and dropped 400+ yards on Samford’s secondary en route to the Gators’ first win of 2024.

Yet, Napier opted to revert back to Mertz, who led zero first-half scoring drives against Texas A&M in Week 3. The ground game was even worse, generating just seven yards on eight carries by the end of the second quarter.

Somehow, some way, the Gators got back into the win column against Mississippi State. However, it was how they did it that was most surprising, as Mertz was nearly flawless as a passer, leading to a 42-21 lead midway through the fourth.

53) James Madison Dukes (+10)

Curt Cignetti and the Dukes blitzed the FBS in their first two seasons, going 19-5. And while the team is nearly unrecognizable after Cignetti took the Indiana job, James Madison is still on the cusp of being a top-50 team in the CFN College Football Power Rankings.

HC Bob Chesney took Holy Cross to five straight conference titles and four FCS playoff appearances in his six-year tenure and hopes to build off the foundation Cignetti established in Harrisonburg, Va.

Chesney inherited sophomore QB Alonza Barnett III, who beat out Washington transfer Dylan Morris for the first-team role. He was inconsistent as a passer vs. Charlotte, but he also showcased his dual-threat ability with 89 yards on nine carries.

A surprisingly close win over Gardner-Webb (13-6) was unexpected, given JMU was a 35.5-point favorite. But perhaps more unexpected was the Dukes’ explosion against North Carolina, dropping 39 points midway through the second quarter. Now 3-0, they should be viewed as the favorites in the Sun Belt.

52) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+12)

Kyle Monangai bullied Howard and Akron for 160+ yards, and although Virginia Tech was far more formidable in the trenches, the Scarlet Knights had little issue producing their third win of the season, starting 3-0 for the fourth straight year.

The defense smothered Hokies QB Kyron Drones and snuffed out any comeback attempts. If the passing game is able to compete with higher-octane offenses, Rutgers could go far in the Big Ten.

51) Pittsburgh Panthers (+9)

Pittsburgh won the ACC title in 2021 and then went 9-4 in 2022. However, the Panthers face-planted to a 3-9 record in 2023, and the pressure is on HC Pat Narduzzi to get the team back on track.

QB Eli Holstein and RB Desmond Reid showed promise in Week 1 against Kent State and came right back against Cincinnati. It took a 22-0 run in the second half to pull off the victory, but the Panthers showed the resilience they didn’t have last year.

The same note rang true in Weeks 3 and 4, as Pitt outlasted West Virginia 38-34 before roasting Youngstown State. Holstein and the defense are on fire, and in a wide-open ACC, the Panthers aren’t as far as returning to their 2022 form as previously thought.

50) Arkansas Razorbacks (+5)

Since reaching a 9-4 record in 2021, Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks have steadily declined. But with Boise State’s Taylen Green and Utah’s Ja’Quinden Jackson in the backfield, the arrow is pointing up.

New OC Bobby Petrino hand-picked both players, and they’ve generated 138 points through three weeks. The Razorbacks couldn’t hang on to upset AP Poll No. 16-ranked Oklahoma State in double overtime and were going play for play with UAB before locking in during the second half.

The passing game’s inconsistencies limit the team’s upside, as WR Andrew Armstrong is the only pass catcher of note.

However, the defense feasted on Auburn true freshman QB Hank Brown in Week 4, snagging three INTs before adding one more from Payton Thorne. The unit won’t be playing that QB tandem every week, putting a timer on Green’s ability to rely solely on his defense to bail out the offense.

49) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+5)

Tyson Helton has led the Hilltoppers to eight or more wins in four out of the last five seasons, and they’re the biggest threat to Liberty in the CUSA.

Although the Hilltoppers weren’t expected to defeat the Crimson Tide in Week 1, they also weren’t expected to score zero points and give up 63. The offense continued to look mediocre against Eastern Kentucky in Week 2 but took home the dub.

However, once Texas State transfer T.J. Finley went down with an injury and Caden Veltkamp stepped onto the field, the offense looked like a completely different unit. Veltkamp completed nearly every pass and threw for nearly 400 yards and five TDs, finally flashing the aerial dominance we’ve come to expect from the Hilltoppers.

He threw two picks and nearly fumbled the game away against Toledo, but DB Devonte’ Mathews saved the win with two last-minute INTs.

48) Colorado Buffaloes (+3)

All press is good press … unless you aren’t performing on the field. Deion Sanders and Colorado took the country by storm early last season but fell off their own hype train, stumbling to a 4-8 record.

The Buffaloes were able to avoid a repeat performance against FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in Week 1, hanging on to win 31-26 behind the right arm of Shedeur Sanders and the God-given two-way abilities of Travis Hunter. Still, the offensive line and running game looked shaky and reared their ugly heads against Nebraska in Week 2.

MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odss With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024

Sanders was sacked four times in the first half and hit several more times, which is not what Coach Prime wants to see as his son is one season away from hearing his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Give credit where credit is due, as the Buffs ignored the outside noise and took Colorado State behind the woodshed, owning a 28-3 lead midway through the fourth quarter, with all of the Rams’ points coming in the first. Then, they held off Baylor at home, winning 38-31 in overtime. If only Colorado had a reliable running game.

47) Syracuse Orange (-7)

Ohio State decided to move on from Kyle McCord; that doesn’t mean he is a bad quarterback. He isn’t the athlete Garrett Shrader was, but Shrader wasn’t the passer McCord is. Paired with WR Oronde Gadsden II and OC Jeff Nixon, who helped Matt Rhule turn Baylor from 1-11 to 11-3 in three years, McCord is primed to prove the doubters wrong this season.

He threw 354 yards and four TDs in his Orange debut, making up for a ground game that couldn’t impose its will on Ohio in Week 1. McCord then threw another 381 yards and four TDs on a stout Georgia Tech defense that started Florida State’s downfall.

Unfortunately, Stanford had enough tape to stymie Syracuse’s offense. Once again, the ground game did nothing, with the RBs combining for 34 yards on 12 carries. McCord threw two costly INTs, including a 74-yard pick-six, unable to carry the unit. If the Orange can’t establish a ground game, the win column could remain stagnant in ACC play.

46) SMU Mustangs (+3)

Rhett Lashlee’s two-QB system worked last year because Preston Stone was playing like a Heisman contender. However, Stone has looked like a deer in headlights in his return from a season-ending injury, especially with the offensive line acting like a sieve up front.

Jennings moved the chains a few times and set Collin Rogers up for five field goals against BYU, but he hasn’t looked like the answer under center either.

It didn’t matter in Week 4, as the Mustangs rode three non-offensive TDs to set a record for the most points scored in the first half of the Iron Skillet rivalry game with TCU, taking a commanding 41-21.

45) Virginia Tech Hokies (-13)

Virginia Tech turned up the heat down the stretch last season, winning five of their last seven games to finish with a 7-6 record. But the Hokies lost their momentum over the offseason, falling to Vanderbilt 34-27 in overtime in Week 1. The rushing attack, led by QB Kyron Drones and RB Bhayshul Tuten, could not find its footing.

They bounced back with wins against Marshall and Old Dominion before finishing their non-conference schedule with a home loss to Rutgers this week. Outside of Week 1, Drones hasn’t been able to surpass 180 yards passing in any game, putting pressure on the ground game to carry the offense.

44) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-14)

The Yellow Jackets entered their Week 0 contest with Florida State as 10.5-point underdogs. But they left Dublin, Ireland, with an impressive 24-21 victory over their 10th-ranked conference rival.

The Yellow Jackets came right back and thwarted Georgia State 35-12, having their way with their in-state opponent. However, their ascent up the 2024 College Football Power Rankings stopped there, as they couldn’t stave off Syracuse. The offense played well, but the Orange held a 36:54 to 23:06 time-of-possession advantage.

Unsurprisingly, the Yellow Jackets were able to pick up their third win of the season against a winless VMI in Week 3. But they ran into an undefeated Louisville squad in Week 4, and kicker Aidan Birr missed two field goals in a 31-19 loss. Birr’s misses didn’t kill Georgia Tech’s comeback odds — going 4 of 15 on third down did.

43) South Carolina Gamecocks (+3)

The offense has looked average at best through three games, particularly QB LaNorris Sellers, but South Carolina still pushed LSU to the brink in Week 3.

If Sellers can cut down on the ball security issues and Raheim Sanders is able to establish the rushing attack early in contests, the Gamecocks could play spoiler to some teams higher on the list.

Robby Ashford stepped onto the field with Sellers out in Week 4, and he gave Akron more than they could handle. He accounted for 200+ yards and two scores in the first half before taking his foot off the gas in the second.

42) Tulane Green Wave (+2)

I’m as much of a Tulane fan as the next Green Waver, but moving on from a head coach (Willie Firtz) and an elite QB (Michael Pratt) in the same offseason won’t be easy for the program. Yes, Jon Sumrall is an excellent coach, as his track record at Troy proves, but that doesn’t guarantee immediate success.

Still, a 52-0 win over SE Louisiana and a down-to-the-wire 34-27 defeat against Kansas State prove Tulane is here to stay in the AAC. Darian Mensah has looked poised under center, but Oklahoma proved to be on an entirely different level in Week 3.

Louisiana gave the Green Wave a run for their money in Week 4, but star RB Makhi Hughes powered them (23-166-1 rushing line) to a résumé-building 41-33 victory.

41) Washington Huskies (+4)

This is an all-new Washington team after HC Kalen DeBeor left for Alabama. Most players on the national championship-contending roster either entered the NFL, graduated, or transferred out (several joining DeBeor in Tuscaloosa, Ala.), leaving Jedd Fisch with just two starters from last year.

The former Arizona head coach didn’t mind, as he brought a handful of Wildcats with him and used the transfer portal to add even more playmakers.

QB Will Rogers and the passing game weren’t all that imposing against Weber State in Week 1, but they didn’t need to be with RB Jonah Coleman running rampant. The roles were flipped in Week 2, as Rogers threw four TDs against five incompletions vs. Eastern Michigan, highlighting the Huskies’ ability to flow with the game script offensively.

However, they ran into the buzzsaw that is the 2024 Washington State Cougars, losing the Apple Cup for just the second time since 2013. Rogers and Co. rebounded against Northwestern, leading to a 17-2 lead at halftime.

40) Nebraska Cornhuskers (-6)

Blitzing UTEP and rival Colorado was a solid two-game introduction for Raiola, and the good times kept going against Northern Iowa. But the Patrick Mahomes clone got his first taste of the Big Ten against Illinois this week, leading to the Cornhuskers’ first loss of the season.

It was a back-and-forth bout that required overtime, but by that point, the Illini had the offensive line’s number and sacked Raiola twice on Nebraska’s last-ditch effort.

The game could’ve gone very differently if starting kicker Tristan Alvano had been healthy, as freshman backup John Hohl missed the potentially game-winning 39-yard field goal with under three minutes remaining in the contest.

39) Washington State Cougars (+14)

The Cougars saw a mass exodus of talent via the portal, losing 27 players and adding just 12. Among the losses was uber-talented starting QB Cam Ward, who is now a Miami Hurricane.

Head coach Jake Dickert faced an uphill battle in Year 3, but redshirt sophomore QB John Mateer has led the program to a 4-0 start in 2024.

He dazzled through the air in Week 1 against Portland State (352 yards and five TDs) and on the ground against Texas Tech (21-197-1) before totaling another three TDs against Washington.

The defense was blinded by the Friday night lights, allowing 52 points to San Jose State in double overtime. But Mateer and the offense did just enough to make up for it, generating 627 total yards and 54 points. Play-calling and discipline were issues, but the Cougars have found a way to win every game thus far.

38) BYU Cougars (+31)

BYU hasn’t had back-to-back losing seasons since 2003-2004. Entering the 2024 campaign, it appeared the Cougars were in danger of that streak ending. Yet, they are coming off four straight victories, and while it wasn’t pretty against SMU in Week 2, the Cougars did enough to win straight up as 12.5-point underdogs.

Watching QB Jake Retzlaff is not for the faint of heart, but he has some dual-threat ability, and the defense has the talent to buoy the team, holding Kansas State to just six points midway through the third quarter in Week 4.

37) Texas State Bobcats (+6)

GJ Kinne led the Bobcats to their best FBS season (8-5) in his first year at the helm, and Year 2 could be even more special. The Jayden de Laura fiasco resulted in T.J. Finley transferring to Western Kentucky, but Texas State may have ended up with an upgrade in Jordan McCloud.

The final score of 34-27 against Lamar caused some fans to worry in Week 1, but the Bobcats’ starting lineup had the score 18-0 at halftime. Then, the thrashing of AAC powerhouse UTSA in Week 2 spoke to how big of a threat Texas State is.

While Arizona State popped the program’s bubble a bit last Thursday, McCloud showcased why he’s one of the best QBs in the nation.

36) Memphis Tigers (-17)

Shutting North Alabama out 40-0 in the season opener and dusting Troy in Week 2 was just another step toward Memphis proving it’s the cream of the AAC crop. While Florida State is a shell of its former self, it’s still a well-resourced Power Four program — one that Memphis knocked off in Week 3.

MORE: Top College Quarterback Rankings 2024

Yet, all good things must come to an end — the Tigers’ ending just came earlier than expected. The defense couldn’t do anything to stop Navy QB Blake Horvath in Week 4, as he accounted for 403 total yards and six TDs.

Memphis’ path to the College Football Playoff now hinges on not only running the table but also hoping for a series of upsets across the Group of Five contenders.

35) NC State Wolfpack (-11)

The quarterback room hasn’t exactly been the modicum of consistency for the Wolfpack, but Dave Doeren hopes he rectified the issue by bringing in Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall.

It took until the fourth quarter for the offense to begin humming against Western Carolina, and it mostly had to do so on the backs of RB Jordan Waters and WR KC Concepcion.

We chalked McCall’s play up to rust in Week 1, but Tennessee stole his lunch money in Week 2 and highlighted the wide gap between the two programs. However, he suffered an undisclosed injury against Louisiana Tech, forcing true freshman CJ Bailey into the lineup. The lights weren’t too bright, as Bailey led the Wolfpack to a 30-20 victory.

Yet, the intensity reached a tipping point against Clemson, as the Tigers roared out to a 59-35 victory — 21 of the Wolfpack’s points came in garbage time.

34) West Virginia Mountaineers (+7)

Head coach Neal Brown only had one winning season (6-4 in 2020) entering 2023, and his seat was heating up. A 9-4 campaign and Mayo Bowl victory later, he received a contract extension. Were the Mountaineers a one-year wonder?

Penn State throttled West Virginia 34-12 in Week 1, with the closest score being 0-0 through the first quarter. The Mountaineers got in the win column in Week 2 against a stout UAlbany team but reverted right back with a crushing 38-34 loss to Pitt.

A 15-point fourth quarter in Week 4 gave them the nail-biting win over Kansas, but with Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Arizona comprising their next four games, the road to another victory is nothing short of a gauntlet.

33) Kansas State Wildcats (-20)

The Wildcats have one of the most explosive backfields in the country, riding it and the defense to three straight victories.

However, Avery Johnson runs hot and cold accuracy-wise. His 64.2% completion rate, 7.3 yards per attempt, and 6:1 TD-to-INT ratio looked impressive on paper entering Week 4, but he had missed a few wide-open receivers and gotten lucky with a few turnover-worthy throws.

It all came to a head against BYU on Saturday night. Johnson and the ‘Cats were down 31-6 midway through the third, largely thanks to his sub-50% completion rate and two INTs, one of which was right between the numbers of a linebacker. If Johnson can’t win with his arm, Kansas State’s hopes of a Big 12 title will be on life support.

32) Fresno State Bulldogs (+1)

Fresno State has the offensive talent, including QB Mikey Keene, RB Malik Sherrod, and WRs Jalen Moss and Jacob de Jesus, to upset power-conference teams — just not the elite.

Head coach Jeff Tedford stepped away from coaching for the fourth time in his career due to health reasons, thrusting Tim Skipper into the role for the interim. It’s a change for the Bulldogs, but they’ll play for their fourth straight bowl victory and 9+ win season.

Keene and Co. couldn’t do much against Michigan, but at least the defense held its own. Facing Sacramento State in Week 2 was a treat and allowed the offense to launch some fireworks, with the show continuing against New Mexico State and New Mexico in Weeks 3 and 4. The Mountain West is wide open, and the Bulldogs are in the thick of it.

31) Wisconsin Badgers (–)

Did Tyler Van Dyke flame out in Miami? Yes. Is he an above-average QB? Maybe, but not with Phil Longo calling the plays. The offense is stale with Longo at the helm, and while the Badgers will “air it out,” the ball isn’t moving that far.

It worked against Western Michigan and South Dakota through the first two weeks, largely due to the ground game and defense, but can TVD keep up with higher-octane offenses?

We didn’t get to see it for long against Alabama in Week 3, and we may not see it all, as Van Dyke injured his leg, was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game, and appeared on the sidelines with crutches and a brace around his right knee.

30) Oklahoma State Cowboys (-13)

The Cowboys haven’t won a Big 12 title since 2011. Fresh off a 10-4 campaign that ended with a conference championship loss, can Mike Gundy lead his program back to the peak of the mountain?

Defeating back-to-back FCS National Championship winner South Dakota State in Week 1, outlasting Arkansas in double overtime in Week 2, and manhandling Tulsa had Oklahoma State sitting pretty in a highly competitive Big 12. But Utah brought them crashing back to reality in Week 4.

The Utes handed the Cowboys a wake-up call, corralling Ollie Gordon and exposing Alan Bowman at the same time.

29) Arizona Wildcats (-3)

Jedd Fisch jumped ship for the Washington job, taking several coaches and players with him. Yet, QB Noah Fifita, OT Jonah Savaiinaea, WR Tetairoa McMillan, LB Jacob Manu, and CB Tacario Davis all decided to stay for new head coach Brent Brennan.

The Wildcats began the year 2-0, but both of their victories (vs. New Mexico and Northern Arizona) provided more questions than answers. Well, those questions came to roost against Kansas State last Friday night, as the other Wildcats scored 31 unanswered after Arizona posted a TD on the opening drive of the game.

28) UCF Knights (+10)

The Knights’ first year in the Big 12 was also their first losing season since 2016 (6-7). To avoid a repeat performance, Gus Malzahn paired 1,000-yard rusher RJ Harvey with Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson and Toledo RB Peny Boone.

New Hampshire and Sam Houston were little more than cannon fodder early in the season, but TCU forced the Knights to pull out all the stops. Although Jefferson hasn’t exactly impressed, he did toss three touchdowns with no turnovers against the Horned Frogs and led UCF on a game-winning TD drive.

27) Boston College Eagles (+9)

Boston College seemed to be trending up after its first bowl win since 2016, but a bit of a reset is in order with HC Jeff Hafley leaving for the Green Bay Packers’ DC job and Bill O’Brien taking his first collegiate HC position since his time at Penn State.

With QB Thomas Castellanos and RBs Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward in the backfield, scoring points shouldn’t be difficult, but not allowing them could be.

A standalone Labor Day win over FSU highlighted the Eagles’ revamped roster and new leadership, and they kept the good times going with pure domination over Duquesne in Week 2.

Despite a highlight-reel TD, Castellanos and Co. couldn’t do much against Missouri’s new-look defense, failing to score in the second half. Michigan State also gave them fits in Week 4, but the Eagles outscored the Spartans 17-6 to complete the home defense and roll to 3-1 on the year.

26) Illinois Fighting Illini (+13)

Following a bowl appearance and an 8-5 record, Illinois fell to 5-7 last season. We know how the defense will perform under HC Bret Bielema, but the offense could reach new heights in 2024.

Their 45-0 route of Eastern Illinois (a solid FCS program) put Kansas on notice entering Week 2, but the Jayhawks couldn’t come out on top as 4.5-point road favorites. The Illini’s defense forced four turnovers, with DB Xavier Scott snatching two picks and returning one to the house.

It was much of the same against Central Michigan in Week 3, but Nebraska took Illinois to overtime in Week 4. Still, the Illini outlasted their opponent, with QB Luke Altmyer putting on a masterclass in game management, completing 21 of 27 passes for 215 yards and four TDs.

Penn State could prove to be a different beast, but you can’t count Bielema’s squad out until the final whistle blows.

25) Indiana Hoosiers (+10)

The Hoosiers haven’t had a winning season in three years — that will change in 2024. Curt Cignetti ransacked the transfer portal for reinforcements, bringing in several of his most talented players from James Madison.

The second half of the schedule is no cakewalk, but the additions of QB Kurtis Rourke, WR Elijah Sarratt, EDGE Mikail Kamara, DTs CJ West and James Carpenter, LB Jailin Walker, and CB D’Angelo Ponds give Indiana a fighting chance.

The defense held FIU underwater in Week 1, and the offense rode the run game to a 31-7 victory. And although Western Illinois is no Georgia, the Hoosiers set program records for offensive yards (701) and points (77) in Week 2. Unsurprisingly, Charlotte proved to be no match in Week 3, as the offensive fireworks continued to launch.

If Indiana keeps its foot on the pedal against Big Ten competition, which began with a 42-13 grilling of UCLA in Week 3, it could enter its early November matchup with Michigan 9-0.

24) Liberty Flames (+3)

Liberty marched to an undefeated regular season and the CUSA title in its conference debut. With QB Kaidon Salter and RB Quinton Cooley back and a soft schedule on deck, the Flames are primed for a repeat performance in 2024.

Liberty coasted to a 41-24 win over Campbell but broke a sweat in a 30-24 victory on the road against New Mexico State, never confidently put the game away against UTEP in Week 3, and nearly lost against East Carolina in Week 4.

Neither the offense nor the defense has been as dominant as they were in 2023, which is something to keep an eye on moving forward. A Sept. 28 date at App State is the Flames’ toughest on-paper matchup — a place in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is well within reach.

23) Iowa Hawkeyes (+6)

All eyes are on OC Tim Lester and Iowa’s offense after a paltry 2023 outing. Cade McNamara and TE Luke Lachey are back, but is that enough? The Hawkeyes were anything but explosive in the first half against Illinois State in Week 1, but they found their groove in the second.

At least the defense, led by preseason All-Americans LB Jay Higgins, CB Sebastion Castro, and S Xavier Nwankpa, can keep the team in games as the offense irons out its kinks.

RB Kaleb Johnson is a legitimate Heisman candidate and proved as much with a 21-206-3 rushing line against Minnesota. But a date with Ohio State is a mere two weeks away, and McNamara needs to elevate his play if Iowa hopes to keep the contest competitive.

22) Oklahoma Sooners (-6)

In Year 2 of Brent Venables’ tenure, the Sooners improved by four victories. And while momentum could stall out a bit in Year 1 in the SEC, especially with turnover at QB and OC, those around the program believe Jackson Arnold is a future star, and new play-caller Seth Littrell knows a thing or two about generating offensive production.

The Sooners went a paltry 1 for 12 on third downs against Temple and 4 for 14 against Houston — that can’t happen if they hope to make a dent in the SEC standings.

To accentuate that point, the Sooners started out 1 of 9 on third down against Tennessee in Week 4, resulting in a 22-3 lead for the Volunteers midway through the third. Arnold threw a pick and lost a fumble, earning him a spot on the bench for the rest of the game, as freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. closed it out.

21) Iowa State Cyclones (+7)

Entering his ninth season, Matt Campbell is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the conference. The Cyclones surprised many by posting a winning record last year, and now they return nearly every starter on both sides of the ball.

That continuity gives Iowa State a leg up on the competition, but the roster is still young. If QB Rocco Becht takes a step forward in his development, this team could reach double-digit wins.

MORE: 2024 Strength of Schedule For All 134 FBS Teams

The Cyclones welcomed 30.5-point underdog North Dakota to Ames, Iowa, and only won 21-3. Becht and the aerial assault were fine, but the running game couldn’t generate 100 yards against their FCS opponent, which could be a concern. The unit then averaged just 3.2 yards per carry against Iowa, but with the Hawkeyes owning one of the best defenses in the country, it’s forgivable.

Becht, along with Cade McNamara’s poor play on the other side, led Iowa State to the 20-19 upset over their ranked in-state rival in Week 2 and has them in prime position in the Big 12. A quick victory over Arkansas State should generate confidence leading into Big 12 play.

20) UNLV Rebels (+5)

UNLV’s Go-Go offense pivoted to a run-first approach against Houston in Week 1, owning the lead for the entire contest. The aerial assault had its time to shine in Week 2 vs. Utah Tech, with Sluka and White combining for three TDs … in the first quarter.

Yet, the Rebels’ best victory of the season thus far came against Kansas in Week 3. QB Matthew Sluka struggled to move the ball through the air, but it didn’t matter because he kept the chains moving with his legs (19-124-0 rushing line).

Barry Odom’s squad took possession of the ball with just over 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter down 20-16. Eighteen plays, 75 yards, and one TD later, UNLV kicked the ball off back to Kansas with only two minutes remaining.

19) USC Trojans (-8)

The Trojans underperformed despite having No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams under center the last two years. A large reason for their failures was the defense, which new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has remodeled this offseason.

Lynn’s unit showed up in Week 1, holding LSU to 20 points and a 3.2-yard average on the ground outside of a 39-yard run. And for those worried about a significant drop-off from Williams to Miller Moss, Moss put those concerns to rest with 27 of 36 passing for 378 yards, slinging anticipation throw after anticipation throw.

Moss didn’t rip Utah State’s secondary apart in Week 2, but he didn’t have to, with the defense conceding zero points and the rushing attack averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

However, Michigan gave Moss and the Trojans their “Welcome to the Big Ten” moment in a 27-24 Week 4 win. The defense held up well enough, but Kalel Mullings wore the unit down and ultimately broke them down the stretch, finishing with a 17-159-2 line.

18) Texas A&M Aggies (+4)

Taking on Notre Dame in Week 1 was never going to be easy, but Conner Weigman and Co. made it look damn near impossible. Yes, Weigman will need time to reacclimate to full speed after a season-ending injury last year, but he couldn’t tell the difference between the turf, his WRs, and defenders against the Irish.

If Weigman can’t return to his early 2023 form, the Aggies are in for a rude awakening. He threw two TDs to three incompletions against McNeese in Week 2 but was unable to suit up against Florida in Week 3 and Bowling Green in Week 4 due to an AC joint sprain.

Still, freshman QB Marcel Reed performed well enough to take care of the directionless Gators and the sneaking-good Falcons, adding a running element Weigman does not.

17) Boise State Broncos (+4)

If Spencer Danielson wants to challenge for a CFP spot, all he needs to do is put the ball in Ashton Jeanty’s hands. He carried the team to a 56-45 victory over Georgia Southern, generating 267 yards and a program-record six TDs on 20 attempts.

Then, against Oregon in Week 2, the Heisman frontrunner nearly single-handedly pulled off the upset, posting a 25-192-3 line with two of his TDs coming in the final frame. The defensive side of the ball let the team down through two weeks, and QB Maddux Madsen hasn’t exactly proven the coaching staff’s decision to start him over USC five-star transfer Malachi Nelson right just yet.

Nevertheless, as long as Jeanty is healthy, the Broncos can go blow for blow with some of the best offenses in the country.

16) Clemson Tigers (+7)

The Tigers added zero players from the transfer portal this offseason after posting their worst record since 2011 (9-4), and their 34-3 loss at Georgia’s hands points to a Dabo Swinney problem.

Klubnik and Co. did wash some of the taste of the Week 1 loss out of their mouths with a dominant performance against App State in Week 2, which began with 21 points in the game’s first eight minutes.

Week 4’s win over NC State was even more impressive, with Klubnik completing 7 of 8 passes for 77 yards and two TDs, plus a 55-yard rushing score, on the game’s first three possessions.

15) Louisville Cardinals (+5)

The Cardinals won 10 games and made the ACC Championship Game in Jeff Brohm’s first season at the helm, and similar success appears to be on the horizon in Year 2. Jack Plummer is replaced by another longtime collegiate passer in Tyler Shough, and the offense hasn’t skipped a beat.

There isn’t much to take away from Louisville’s drubbing of a depleted Austin Peay squad in Week 1, but it did set the tone for their 49-14 embarrassment of Jacksonville State and 31-19 home defense against Georgia Tech.

The offense had its moments, particularly through the air, but the defense was the real star of the show, allowing just 2.6 yards per rush and four third-down conversions on 15 attempts.

14) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+1)

Notre Dame’s strength has always lied in its defense, as it proved against Texas A&M in Week 1. Conner Weigman was seeing ghosts in the pocket and downfield, completing just 12 of 30 passes for 100 yards and two picks.

Yet, just one week later, the Fighting Irish were upset by Northern Illinois in a defensive 16-14 grind. Leonard averaged just 5.1 yards per attempt and threw two INTs in the contest, hamstringing the offense.

Notre Dame isn’t out of the playoff race, as it showed in the complete obliteration of Purdue in Week 3 and Miami (OH) in Week 4 — but Leonard has to find a rhythm as a passer to keep the Fighting Irish’s chances alive.

13) Michigan Wolverines (+5)

The Wolverines will go as far as their QB situation takes them. Davis Warren has not looked like the answer under center, and after throwing three INTs against Arkansas State in Week 3, he was benched in favor of Alex Orji. The junior finished out the win and upset USC in Week 4, but Michigan has to be concerned with the trajectory of the program.

Even with a championship-caliber defense led by DTs Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, EDGEs Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore, LBs Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann, and DBs Will Johnson, Makari Paige, and Ja’Den McBurrows, Michigan is in trouble if the offense can’t produce through the air against elite competition.

12) LSU Tigers (+2)

While the defense showed promise against the run (3.0 yards per carry allowed), it conceded 378 yards through the air in Week 1. Committing 10 penalties for 99 yards certainly hindered the team’s performance, but USC simply outplayed LSU in Allegiant Stadium.

It was one loss against a ranked opponent in the first game of the year — we weren’t going to drop the Tigers far. But after a lackluster showing against Nicholls and a near loss to South Carolina, it was time to drop them down the College Football Power Rankings.

However, a 34-17 win over UCLA, which included a second-half shutout, gave LSU a much-needed boost. The defense finally tightened up, and the offense found its rhythm, restoring some confidence in the Tigers’ potential as they head into the heart of conference play.

11) Missouri Tigers (-2)

Missouri is fresh off their best season (11-2) in a decade and returns most of their offensive production. Doak Walker finalist Cody Schrader’s departure hurts, but the Tigers nabbed App State’s Nate Noel and Georgia State’s Marcus Carroll to dampen the impact.

The real star of the show is QB Brady Cook and the passing offense, as the top four WRs from last season return, including potential top-10 pick Luther Burden III. There are no major holes on the depth chart, but we’ll need to see how Eli Drinkwitz’s squad performs defensively with an entirely new secondary and DC Blake Baker gone.

Holding Murray State and Buffalo to zero points and snatching two picks against Boston College should’ve had the Tigers feeling a type of way on defense. But Vanderbilt tested them for the first time this year, forcing overtime.

Luckily, a missed 31-yard field goal handed Missouri a dub, but they have some questions to answer on both sides of the ball if they want to go all the way in 2024.

10) Tennessee Volunteers (+2)

Those in Knoxville, Tenn., have tabbed Nico Iamaleava as the chosen one, and with Josh Heupel directing traffic, it’s hard to dispute them.

Tennessee went 9-4 with Joe Milton III at the helm. If Iamaleava continues to live up to the hype, a 10+ win campaign is on the horizon. The Vols have imposed their will any way they’ve liked this season, culminating in a 65-point first half vs. Kent State in Week 3.

Oklahoma couldn’t keep pace with their own rising QB in Jackson Arnold, as Tennessee built a 19-3 lead at the half and kept the pressure defensively, forcing Brent Venables to bench Arnold for the rest of the game.

9) Miami Hurricanes (+1)

After going 12-13 in his first two years, Mario Cristobal needs results, and he tapped into the transfer portal to get them. Washington State’s Cameron Ward and Oregon State’s Damien Martinez form a lethal backfield duo, with Ward playing at an elite level through four weeks while looking comfortable doing so.

MORE: 2024 College Football Bowl Projections

The Hurricanes made quick work of in-state foes Florida and Florida A&M in Weeks 1 and 2 and torched Ball State in Week 3. USF kept the game semi-tight in the first half, but once Miami got going, there was no stopping them.

Virginia Tech and Cal could pose stiffer challenges in the coming weeks, but the ‘Canes are putting teams in a blender right now.

8) Utah Utes (–)

Following back-to-back 10-4 campaigns, the Utes fell to 8-5 last year without the services of their starting QB and TE, but Camerons Rising and Brant Kuithe picked up where they left off, combining for four catches, 69 yards, and three TDs against Southern Utah.

The joy was short-lived, as Rising suffered an apparent throwing hand injury against Baylor in Week 2. The Utes still won and pulled off two more victories over Utah State and Oklahoma State, but without Rising in the lineup, their ceiling is only so high.

7) Penn State Nittany Lions (–)

While questions surrounding Penn State’s WR corps are warranted, TE Tyler Warren can take over games, as he did against Bowling Green in Week 2 (8-146-0 receiving line). Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen form one of the best RB duos in the nation, and they both surpassed 100 yards against the Falcons.

Former Kansas OC Andy Kotelnicki has the offense humming with Drew Allar behind center, leading to a 28-0 first half against Kent State in Week 4. Outside of a rough first half against Bowling Green, the Nittany Lions’ defense has stifled everyone across from them.

6) Alabama Crimson Tide (–)

Despite several players jumping ship after Nick Saban’s retirement, the Crimson Tide’s cabinets remain full, as indicated by their 63-0 rout of Western Kentucky in Week 1. USF posed much more of a threat in Week 2, but after a scoreless third quarter, ‘Bama put any upset worries to bed in the fourth.

After Wisconsin QB Tyler Van Dyke went down with an injury, Alabama’s Week 3 victory was all but sealed. Still, Jalen Milroe has clearly taken to head coach Kalen DeBoer’s QB whispers and has played the part of a Heisman candidate this season.

5) Oregon Ducks (–)

Dan Lanning has gone 22-5 with consecutive bowl victories in his two years in Eugene, but it’s time to take the next step. The Ducks didn’t get off to the hottest start, beating Idaho by only 10 points (24-14) and Boise State by only three (37-34). But they demolished in-state rival Oregon State, scoring three TDs on their first three drives.

An October bout with Ohio State will test the Ducks’ mettle, but their November schedule will determine whether they make the playoffs or not: at Michigan, vs. Maryland, at Wisconsin, and vs. Washington.

4) Ole Miss Rebels (–)

Early returns are promising on the Rebels’ 2024 season, as they assaulted Furman 76-0, quickly dispatched Middle Tennessee State 52-3, and crushed Wake Forest 40-6.

The ball kept rolling in Week 4, as they scored 17 unanswered in the first quarter against Georgia Southern. Dart has never looked more at home in Kiffin’s offense, and the defense has done more than carry its load through four weeks.

3) Georgia Bulldogs (-1)

The Bulldogs came out firing in Week 1, making quick work of Clemson, 34-3. The offense had a few miscues, but they used Tennessee Tech as a punching bag in Week 2.

However, Georiga found itself on upset alert in a 13-12 snoozefest against Kentucky in Week 3, likely because they were looking ahead to their Week 5 date with Alabama. But more concerning is the program’s troubling trend of reckless driving incidents.

The persistent nature of these problems has raised questions about discipline and accountability within the team, rightfully so.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (-1)

Ohio State has defeated all but one Big Ten opponent in the past three regular seasons — Michigan. That changes in 2024. Jim Harbaugh is gone, and the Wolverines are in a state of flux.

QB Will Howard and RBs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson form the deadliest collegiate backfield; Emeka Egbuka and true freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith lead an elite WR corps; and Ryan Day hired his mentor, Chip Kelly, to call the plays.

But the offense isn’t the only championship-quality unit. The defense is battled-tested and comes equipped with an experienced, skilled, and athletically gifted front four (Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloa, Tyleik Williams, and Ty Hamilton) and secondary (Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, and Davison Igbinosun).

One-sided wins over Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall don’t mean much, but one thing is clear: true freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith won’t just meet the lofty expectations placed on him — he’ll surpass them.

1) Texas Longhorns (+2)

Dusting Colorado State 52-0 in Week 1 wasn’t all that surprising, but it showcased the Longhorns’ defensive prowess and gave the world a sneak peek at Arch Manning.

Quinn Ewers and the passing attack remain elite and were methodical against Michigan in Week 2, one of the best defenses in the country. Then, in Week 3, they took care of business against UTSA, although Ewers left in the second quarter due to an abdomen strain, propelling Manning back into the limelight.

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The redshirt freshman then got his first start against ULM and led Texas to a 21-0 first quarter, putting any longshot odds of a historic upset out of reach. It’s natty or bust in Austin, and the Longhorns are playing like it, even if the ground game hasn’t been all that productive.

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